ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Evante C. Topp serves as Executive Director of the BREC Foundation, where he leads the organization’s efforts to strengthen philanthropic investment in BREC and expand opportunities for individuals, families, businesses, and community partners to support parks, recreation, conservation, and quality-of-life initiatives throughout East Baton Rouge Parish.

A fundraising and nonprofit leader, Dr. Topp brings experience in major gifts, corporate philanthropy, donor engagement, strategic partnerships, and community-based fundraising. Prior to joining the BREC Foundation, he held fundraising leadership roles with ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Red Cross, building meaningful relationships between donors, organizations, and the communities they serve.

As Executive Director, Dr. Topp is leading the BREC Foundation through a period of growth and transformation. His vision is to build a culture of philanthropy around BREC that extends beyond traditional fundraising—creating meaningful opportunities for the community to invest in the parks, programs, facilities, and experiences that make East Baton Rouge Parish a better place to live, work, and play. His leadership focuses on strengthening donor relationships, expanding corporate and community partnerships, developing new avenues for giving, and positioning the Foundation for sustainable long-term growth.

Dr. Topp earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Research, and Counseling from Louisiana State University, where his doctoral research explored Black alumni philanthropy and the factors that influence charitable engagement and giving. He also earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations from Mississippi State University.

His professional and academic work is grounded in a belief that philanthropy is ultimately about people, relationships, and belonging. He is committed to ensuring the BREC Foundation serves as a bridge between the generosity of the community and BREC’s ability to create exceptional recreational opportunities and public spaces for generations to come.